Favorite Picture of 2009

I was trying to find a picture that may be my favorite for 2009. Many came to mind but one I just had to share. This man's hands were a testimony to my entire team that went to Nicaragua and I've never been so moved by such amazing, self giving, hard working hands in all my life. Just looking at this picture brought tears to my eyes as I read the verse one of our teammates found that fit WOM perfectly. We were all so moved by the witness of someone who worked, served and gave along side of us, yet couldn't speak one sentence of English. Amazing how God doesn't see any barriers when His people are working together and serving Him.

Perspective in Turmoil

This morning Matt Chandler, an amazing preacher and teacher, is headed into surgery to remove part of his brain. Please read his blog at: http://hv.thevillagechurch.net/blog/hvpastor/?p=357

Is that not the most inspiring, amazing blog before a surgery that you have ever read? You don’t sense the apprehension because thankfulness has covered it. You don’t sense the fear because gratefulness has enveloped his heart. And what is truly amazing, is that during such a time as this, Matt still is able to encourage and motivate us to just grow closer to the Lord and cling to him.

For some reason this last week, I have heard of many cases where health has been taken. Sudden brain tumors, heart attacks, surgeries, car accidents, life support, seizures….and each has taken everyone off guard. No one could plan for this and no one knew it would happen when they woke up that morning. And while I was speaking to my best friend about how I don’t understand how someone could go through any of it without being able to rely on God, she said “It’s times like those that bring people to God or they cause people to walk away from Him.” She’s right. Yet I know that when sudden turmoil interrupts my life, I want people to be drawn towards the Lord, instead of draw away. And I know that the best way to do that is to have a perspective like the one Matt has in his blog.

Tragedy will come. Loss will occur. But it’s how you deal with it and your reliance on the Lord that really matters. We have nothing without Him, and with Him, we have everything. I love what Matt says as he walks into surgery:

“I don’t count my life of any value or as precious to myself if only I might finish my course and complete the work that He gave me to do to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God. I’m nothing, I just have a job. God keep me faithful on the job and then let me drop and go to the reward.” Without this strong view of God’s sovereign will, I’m not sure how you don’t despair in circumstances like mine.

Okay I'm sharing my secret spot! I found it last year during the fall, driving around Lake Arcadia. For some reason I hadn't been back but today I found it again! It was just like the last time I was there... a gorgeous fall day that was almost hot--so different than November in Colorado! But what was amazing were the colors today. The leaves, the fields, the trees, and the water were mesmerizing! It's places like that that just make you want to stop and soak it in for a while. Today I was able to do just that and got some much needed refreshment!

SOOOO HOME SICK!!!!!

I don't know what it is, but right before I fly home, I get SUPER home sick and just can't wait to get back to go ol CO! I always miss home, but these last few weeks have driven me crazy, just wanting to get to see my mountains, the house I grew up in, Horsetooth, and feel the cold, fall weather! I'm praying it snows too while I'm home! 

I'm making the flight back for Beth's wedding! Seems like it has taken forever to get here, probably because we celebrated the bachelorette party way back in May, but I'm so pumped that it's finally here! Between hair and nail appointments, seeing family, rehearsal dinners, and the wedding, it's going to be a jam-packed weekend! But... I couldn't be more excited! Bring on FOCO!!!!!!

SOONER FOOTBALL!

Going to the Sooner football game + cold weather + Broncos win + Rockies in the playoffs + JJ + Old Chicago + Couples Retreat movie + pumpkin pie = GREAT FALL WEEKEND!

I couldn't be happier tonight. Reviewing some good ol BM notes and discussing them, not only reminded me of God's goodness, but it encouraged me in so many ways. God really does know what he's doing. He really does have a plan. And while I might not always know it, He does and I can rest in that.

"God is just as purposeful to what He doesn't reveal, as to what He does reveal. He doesn't reveal because He's calling you to faith. And then there will be a dramatic show of His glory."

Oh I hope so! And deep down, I know so.... He will again show Himself as faithful as He has done so many other times in the past. And again I'll see how He had it all lined up, just like He planned and has always promised. 

Isn't He soooo good?

Enjoying it all...

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!

Last night I started the Beth Moore study Esther... and I don't think I've ever been more excited and felt that I needed a study more! This one just pertains to exactly what has been on my heart over the last year and I can't wait to get to work! On my way home last night I called Mom and told her that I just wanted to do all of my homework in one night I was so excited! Maybe one of the greatest things is that Mom is doing the study too... so we'll be covering some ground here in Okla and 13 hours away in Colo! Here's one of my favorite quotes to start off the study and one that I would love to claim by the end of it...

"You may have met people who have done a better job at being a woman, but you have never met anyone who enjoyed it more!"